TMAFI 2012

Every year as we make our way up the winding highway 168 up into the Sierras that overshadow Bishop...i cant help but exhale deeply and breathe in deeper and feel a little like we have come home. I love this little area of California so much. We have some roots here - my grandpa worked a mine not too far from Bishop and our family would take yearly trips up to Mammoth. Bryan grew up going to Tahoe (just the other side of the mountain) so it is familiar ground these Sierras. And this little fishing trip - TMAFI - started out just an excuse to get an awesome campsite (see second to last photo) and has turned into an excuse to spend quality time with friends cities away. 

Little did i know when TMAFI began it would turn into what it has. This year was a rather small turnout, but most years we have had around 25 people. I am hoping for a big crowd next year since it will be the 10th one! But this year was so nice to have a small group. The kids stayed with Bob and Kathy at our house, so Bryan and I got to have some (much needed) alone time. I have been on trips and stuff, but never have i felt so completely relaxed. i prayed...a lot...i read books...i sat and thought. when was the last time i sat and thought? i couldnt even answer that...i am so continually distracted on a minute by minute basis at home. There is always something i am neglecting - be it laundry or work or cleaning or sometimes my children or husband...there is always responsibility here - it isnt a restful place. so its nice to be able to get away where cell phones dont work...where road trips spark awesome conversation, where the air is crisp and fresh and the stars come out for a show every night. its nice that my husband and i both love it too...it wouldnt be quite as fun if we didnt. we enjoy each other's company very much...it helps. i still think he is the greatest guy i have ever met.  And even though i wanted to win something awful this year...i secretly hope he gets a turn - because he is almost as good a fisher-person as me :)